God had promised protection for obedience, even for people who weren’t Israelites. The people of Edom were descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob (later called Israel), and as the Israelites traveled through their county, God had warned the people of Edom to let them have safe passage. He also told the Israelites to pay them in silver for any water or food they consumed along the way. So the land of Edom remained in the hands of its owners.
God made the same agreement with the people of Moab, who were descended from Abraham’s nephew Lot, and they too were able to keep their land.
The Amorites, however, failed to heed God’s warning and fought against Israel. As a result, God removed His protection and they were completely wiped out as a nation.
It wasn’t just the enemies of Israel who found themselves at odds with God. Although he’d led the Israelites from their exodus from Egypt through all their wanderings for 40 years, and although he’d spoken directly to God, an act of disobedience disqualified MOSES from entering the land God had been leading him toward.
Just as Israel was tasked with entering the Promised Land and removing the existing inhabitants, who had disobeyed God to the point where He wanted them gone, God had spent the 40 years of desert wanderings removing the Israelite generation that had left Egypt because they’d been unwilling to obey Him and take the land when they’d first arrived at the border. God’s commands resemble the old advertising campaign used by Chrysler: “Lead, follow, or get out of the way!” He has little use for anyone who steadfastly opposes His will.
Father, for too long I opposed You, yet in love You kept reaching out to me until I finally was able to see and understand how much You really did love me, sinner that I am. Thank You for bringing me into Your Promised Land and for giving me the chance to serve You. How I wish I hadn’t wasted all those years fighting You!
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
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